WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioUtica and Marcellus Shale potential shines national spotlight on the Valley

Utica and Marcellus Shale potential shines national spotlight on the Valley

BROOKFIELD, Ohio - The potential economic impact of the Utica and Marcellus Shale developments is gaining national attention for the Mahoning Valley.

A crew from the national business network CNBC broadcast live reports from TMK-IPSCO'S pipe threading plant in Brookfield as part of it's business and economic news on Friday. 

Reporter Jane Wells says when companies are expanding and hiring in an area struggling with poverty that's news. "Long term, who knows what's going to happen with shale and with fracturing, but short term, there are jobs and for our audience that's news," Wells said. 

The Brookfield plant has increased it's work force to 75 and CEO Vicki Avril says half of the employees were formerly unemployed or under-employed.  "And at this point in the economy employment is so important and I think that's what's creating a lot of interest about the rebirth of this area," Avril said. 

The Brookfield plant is running 24 hours a day and has a plan to add a third production line. Avril says the Valley has provided the company with an excellent work force.  "They know manufacturing, so we have put them through additional training, but they're very talented and bring a lot of skills to the work force here," Avril said. 

With the projected up growth in natural gas drilling, the Brookfield plant could double its current work force in the next year.